Tell us about yourself:
After graduating from FHSU in 1984, I married Mary Bruggeman (FHSU ’84) and moved to Wichita, KS where I taught & coached at Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School for eight years, earned a master’s degree from Wichita State University, and served Derby High School as associate principal for two years. Our family moved back to Hays in 1994 where Mary and I work for Hays USD 489 Public Schools (27 years). I am currently the Hays High School Principal. We have three daughters: Stacia Cartlidge (FHSU ’09 & ‘13), Allie Murray (FHSU ’15), and Arin (FHSU ’17). We’re blessed with two sons-in-law (Justin Murray and Matt Cartlidge (FHSU ‘08) and two grandsons (Hudson & Cohen Murray).
What do you now do for a living? How did you end up choosing this career path?
I am currently the Hays High School Principal and have been an administrator in USD489 for 27 years. Many of my fondest memories as a kid centered around school events and teachers who made a difference in my life. I wanted to make a difference during my lifetime… hopefully, I have.
Why did you choose to attend FHSU?
FHSU was small enough to get to know the good people who taught or attended there. I remember FHSU as a place that was welcoming, affordable, and challenging.
What are your favorite memories from your time as a student?
My fondest memories at FHSU centered around attending basketball games at Gross. I have to admit, we violated “Rule 52” (a sportsmanship rule I enforce at the high school level), but goodness, we had fun!
Tell us about someone at FHSU who has left a lasting impression: Dr. Bill Jellison made a lifelong impression on me. With both of my parents deceased by the end of my freshman year in college, I had no way to pay for my last three years of my four-year degree. During enrollment, I was directed to meet with Dr. Jellison who introduced me to Mr. Marvin Swanson, a tiny man with severe disabilities but a mind as sharp as a tac. The job that Dr. Jellison and Swanson hired me for, changed my life. Driving the “Easter Seals Van” for the elderly, physically disabled, and intellectually delayed population in Hays gave me direction and helped me develop a servant’s heart. I still remember many of “my friends” who allowed me to take them to Dillon’s, to their medical appointments, and most importantly, to BINGO! The most important lessons learned… don’t judge people by their appearance, every job has dignity, and when you are down on your luck, good people like Jellison and Swanson are there to help if you allow them. Today, I strive to be the type of person that these two men were for me.